Royston Town 1 (Tshikuna 58) Needham Market 0

The Crows avenged their defeat earlier in the season to Needham Market as a Nathan Tshikuna penalty proved the difference between 2 evenly matched sides.

The game was played on a tricky surface that both teams adapted to well too produce an entertaining encounter.

The Marketmen created the best opportunities early on as Louis Chadwick was out quickly to thwart Jamie McGrath, before Patrick Brothers shot narrowly wide and Dylan Williams headed just over. For Royston Shomari Barnwell shot into the side netting and Nathan Tshikuna shot narrowly wide as the score line remained goalless at the break.

It was Needham who once again started the half quickest, Ross Crane saw his back heeled flick saved, before Chadwick made the best save of the game, denying Daniel Morphew in the process. Christian Frimpong did find the net with a header in the 51st minute but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position.

The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute as some good inter-play on the edge of the penalty area ended with Tshikuna being bundled to the ground in the box. It was Tshikuna who picked himself up before slotting his penalty away into the corner, giving Marcus Garnham in the Needham goal no chance.

In the 64th minute Needham nearly found an equaliser as Noah Collard broke free down the right before pulling the ball back to Ross Crane who saw his effort deflect back off of the base of the post.

Needham continued to press forward and force Royston onto the back foot, but with Ronnie Henry using all his experience to marshall the home defence The Crows were able to see time out and claim the three points.

Attendance – 361
MOTM – Cole Dasilva